- Idris hailed Umahi for swiftly sending experts to assess the Mokwa Bridge destruction shortly after flooding devastated the structure.
- Umahi stressed that Tinubu’s compassion guided the decision, noting the bridge approval was based on urgency and public need.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of ₦16.7bn for the reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State.
The bridge was destroyed by flooding in May this year, leaving residents stranded and disrupting vehicular movement.
The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Saturday in Abakaliki.
He spoke shortly after a meeting with the minister of works, Senator Dave Umahi.
Idris explained that the approval underscored the administration’s responsiveness to urgent infrastructure needs.
“We want to thank Mr. President and we want to thank the Honourable Minister of Works.
“We jointly discussed this and approached Mr. President, who graciously approved it.
“It means a lot to the people. It’s ₦16.7 billion to reconstruct the bridge — a 10-span bridge,” he said.
The minister praised Umahi for his swift response, including dispatching engineers to assess the damage after the disaster.
According to him, the approval was “music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State.”
The minister of works, Senator Umahi, described President Tinubu as a compassionate and listening leader.
He said Tinubu’s action reflected his commitment to tackling challenges facing Nigerians.
“The President approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge as requested by the Honourable Minister.
“He graciously approved because of him,” Umahi said.
The works minister revealed that new approvals for infrastructure projects covered all six geo-political zones.
He listed them to include: the 5-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba State; Lokoja Bridge; permanent repair of Afikpo-Aba-Imo axis; Keffi Flyover Bridge; Jebba Bridge in Kwara State; seven bridges in Edo State; and a bridge in Kebbi State.